Bank Of America – Check Card Fraud & Unauthorized Purchases

So a few days ago, someone happily went on a shopping spree with my debit card and identity. They spent a good amount of my money going to CVS, H&M, Gap and even buying a $1.50 soda pop at a vending machine (this one I caught after filing a claim in my local BOFA branch, but it’s only $1.50 right?) It sucks. Someone took my card/identity and went shopping in Escondido. Which is about 20 – 30 minutes away from where I live depending on traffic. I got emails and phone calls from BOFA regarding “irregularities.” I got a hold of someone from BOFA the next early morning and yep..you betcha..irregularities. What a way to start xmas holiday for me.

When I finally got a hold of a human being – enduring the awful automated systems many corporations put in place – I felt at a ease. Surprisingly, the BOFA associate was quite helpful and managed to get me through what needed to be done on the phone fairly quickly. BUT…when transferring me to the claims department, it hung up on me. I waited for a good amount of time too. Eh…I’ll just head over to the local branch here where I live.

I walk up to the counter, “Hello, welcome to Bank Of America. How can I help you today.” You know, you’re typical greeting. I replied, “Yeah…someone assumed my identity and made unauthorized purchases on my account. I spoke to an associate over the phone but got disconnected being transferred to claims dept.” I get a puzzled look. She replies, “do you have your debit card or account number.” Nope.

I then was redirected physically to the service desk, being helped by a very nice fellow from Jamaica by the name of Hopeton. Hopeton? Why…what a cool name I thought! “Why…what a cool name” I said to him. He laughed and expressed his sincere thanks. I immediately regurgitated my situation to him and he was quick to connect with the claims department. He must’ve pressed the phone keys about 42 times before getting a human…and oh so fast. The phone rings and rings and rings…followed by the typical message of being a customer…your business is important to us.

The next 15 minutes were full of questions from me, some answered, some avoided. BOFA assured me the money would be immediately credited and I would not be charged for the unauthorized purchases. I was happy. Why? Because protocol tells them to tell me what I want to hear…and that is what I wanted to hear. Fast forward, he than says “all you have to do is wait for an affidavit that will be sent out today, just sign that and send it back. Once we receive it, we will immediately credit your account. Your account will be monitored for 10 days. After 10 days, if any other unauthorized purchases go through, please contact us.”

Ok, it all sounds good. Hopeton then proceeds to give me a temporary debit card to use. Small talk ensued treading on the topic of san diego having bad drivers when it rains. I tried using it to buy Starbucks about an hour later to buy some brew…in front of 2 cops…staring at me…because my card didn’t work and the barista chose the words “Your card isn’t working. I tried 3 times. How come it doesn’t have your name on it?” Oh lordy…

So now I am waiting to get my money credited. It’s xmas. I have bills. I have gifts to buy. And I want new socks and some gloves. I have the worst luck.